Chicago Pizza & Brewery appoints Nakhunst COO

Nakhunst was senior vice president of the Chili's division at Brinker International until 1994, and also served as COO at the Cheesecake Factory, Inc. from 1997 to 1999.

Chicago Pizza & Brewery co-CEO Paul Motenko said Nakhunst will help the company meet its "accelerated growth strategy."

Nakhunst said he was "very excited to be part of the team" that plans to build the company's BJ's Brewhouse concept into a national restaurant brand. The company has 23 BJ's, all located in the Western United States.